Help is available for the millions of Americans who deal with depression

By Jeannie Lancaster

For the Reporter-Herald

Posted:
08/30/2014 11:32:58 PM MDT

More than 20 million people in the United States suffer from depression. Jane Choate of Loveland says things that help her cope with depression include getting out in the sunshine, physical exercise and accomplishing a task, however small, and she says medical help is essential. (Jackie Hutchins / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

If You Feel Depressed

The Mayo Clinic suggests, "If you feel depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can. Depression often gets worse if it isn't treated. Untreated depression can lead to other mental and physical health problems or troubles in other areas of your life. Feelings of depression can also lead to suicide.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, get help right away.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

• Contact a minister, a spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.

• Call a suicide hotline number — in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.

• Make an appointment with your doctor, mental health provider or other health care provider."

Walking into Jane Choate's family room, one of the first things you'll notice is her full-wall bookcase. Among the family treasures and plaques that show her love for family and home are the more 33 books that she has written.

She is a talented, intelligent woman who often faces an unwelcome adversary.

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Choate, of Loveland, has been challenged by clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, for a large part of her adult life.

In the past, she has been reticent to discuss her illness, but the recent media attention surrounding Robin Williams' depression and death, has encouraged her to share a little of her story.

"My family and I have suffered for many years because of my depression," she shared. "If I can help one person, one family, seek help, then maybe our struggle won't have been in vain. There is help out there."

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) notes that, "Depression is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act."

It's normal to experience grief or sadness following the loss of a job, the death of a loved one or other difficult experiences. While many people will go through a short-term period of depression at some point in their life, when the feelings don't go away and begin to interfere with your day-to-day life, it may be time to seek help.

"More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply "snap out" of," noted the Mayo Clinic on its website.

"Tune out the people who would tell you that all you have to do is 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get on with life,'" suggested Choate. She understands all too well the battle it can be to gain control of this illness.

"Lack of energy, low self-esteem and feeling that I am not 'good enough' to be around others," are some of the things that Choate has struggled with when facing depression.

The APA noted in their brochure, "Let's Talk Facts about Depression" that there are several possible causes of depression. Some scientists feel that abnormalities in two chemicals in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine, may be a cause. Some types of depression may run in families. Environmental factors can influence the development of depression. Stress may also be a factor.

The APA also notes that certain medical conditions can also cause depression, "it is so important to be evaluated by a psychiatrist or other physician to rule out general medical causes."

More than 20 million people in the United States suffer from depression.

Depression has many symptoms, but an extended feeling of sadness or loss of interest in normally fulfilling activities are chief among them. Other symptoms may include: extreme fatigue; changes in appetite; feelings of worthlessness; difficulty sleeping or oversleeping; irritability and anxiety; trouble concentrating and thoughts of suicide.

There have been several things that have helped Choate as she has dealt with her diagnosis. Her faith and a supportive, loving husband, children and sweet friends have all made a great difference for her. "I take an anti-depressant every day, accepting that I need that just as my husband needs his medicine for his diabetes."

Other things also help her, such as getting out in the sunshine, physical exercise and accomplishing a task, however small.

Choate encourages others with depression to, "Give yourself a break. Stop beating yourself up, because you have this illness. Share your struggle with sympathetic listeners, and don't try to handle it all on your own."

The National Institute of Mental Health recommends that if you know someone who has depression, "first help him or her see a doctor or mental health professional.

"Offer support, understanding, patience, and encouragement. Talk to him or her and listen carefully. Never ignore comments about suicide. Invite him or her out for walks, outings and other activities. Remind him or her that with time and treatment, the depression will lift."

"I accept my depression now, but it hasn't always been so," said Choate. "In the past, I have tried to hide it, to deny it. It has kept me from enjoying and living life as fully as I would want and prevented me from taking advantage of many opportunities."

It will take people of courage, like Choate, engaging in an open discussion about depression, to help remove the stigma surrounding it and other related disorders.

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